Waste storage device

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an automated sealing waste disposal apparatus using tubular material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. PatentApplication Serial No. to be assigned, which claims benefit of priorityfrom U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/282,808, filed on10 Apr. 2001. This application further claims benefit of priority fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/499,443, filed on 02Sep. 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a waste storage device or container.More particularly, the present invention relates to a waste storagedevice having an automated mechanism for twisting a tubular sealingmaterial about waste, deposited in such tubular sealing material.

2. Description of the Related Art

Waste receptacles are generally fitted with a lid designed to containodors when the lid is closed. However, most lids are not designed to beperfectly air-tight in respect of their receptacles, or after repeateduse become less-than air tight, permitting malodor to emanate from thereceptacles even when they are closed. Even with the most air-tightcontainers, upon opening the container, noxious odors escape into theambient environment giving an extremely unpleasant sensation to theperson attempting to add more trash to the receptacle. Location of thereceptacles in a remote location is inconvenient and generallyunsatisfactory.

A particularly difficult trash to retain for ultimate disposal isodoriferous trash. The cumulative odor of odoriferous trash being storedwithin the container frequently reaches such an offensive level that thetrash must be disposed of before the container is full. The latterproblem typically results in excessive emptying operations. In the caseof odoriferous soiled diapers, for example, excessive emptyingoperations can be of particular concern as one hesitates to leave aninfant unattended or to carry an infant and the soiled diapers to aremote location. A further problem associated with such containers isthat the containers themselves over time tend to retain the malodor evenwhen no diapers are present in the containers. Therefore, a thorough andcomplete cleaning of such containers is often necessary to reduce thelingering odor. Furthermore, as most disposal receptacles are notchild-proof, toddlers playing around such containers may inadvertentlyopen a container to allow odors to escape, or the child may reach in totouch the undesirable trash.

There are a number of waste disposal systems for disposing of odiferouswaste materials such as soiled diapers. The systems are often touted asa convenient way to dispose of such waste materials and reduce oreliminate any odor that may emanate from the materials. An example ofsuch systems is U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,055 which discloses a container thatincludes an activated charcoal filter to retain and absorb odors withinthe container.

Other trash receptacles employ one of several approaches to reduce theemanation of malodor from the receptacle, including the use of maskingagents, odor sorbent material, inner lids or seals, air locks or sealedpackaging. Scented trash receptacles have been commercially availablefor many years. Scent is added to the diaper pail in the hope of hidingthe smell of the malodor by producing a smell that masks the malodor tothe olfactory senses. The problem with such receptacles is that themasking smell itself can often become irritating to the consumer, aswell as the fact that most scented diaper pails loose their maskingeffect after a period of time.

European patent application No. 0005660, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein, describes a device for disposingkitchen refuse in packages enclosed by flexible tubing derived from atubular pack of tubing surrounding a tubular guide. The device includesa sealing mechanism for sealing along the tubular material. The tubingpasses from the pack over the top of and then down a guide to a positionbeneath the guide where it is closed by fusion to provide a receptacle.When this receptacle is full of refuse, a lever is manually operated toactuate an electro-mechanical apparatus including clamping and fusiondevices that travel round closed tracks to perform the four-fold task ofdrawing the receptacle down below the tubular guide, fusing the tubingwalls together to seal the top of the receptacle, sealing the tubingwalls together to provide the closed base of the next receptacle anddividing the tubing by heat at a location between these two fusionlocations to separate the filled package. There are a number ofdisadvantages with this device including the need for latches to preventthe wheels extending from the heating elements from inadvertentlyreturning up the central track portions (as opposed to following theouter track portions as they should. A further disadvantage is that theheating element must be at least the width of the tube in order to sealthe tube all the way across thereby preventing, for example, the escapeof odors from the waste.

A popular approach for disposing of diapers has been a device using, forexample, a tube twisting mechanism to form a pouch about a diaper. As anexample, see the disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512, and5,813,200, the contents of all of which are incorporated by referenceherein. The '049 patent discloses an apparatus to form packagescontaining disposable diapers comprising a tubing which passes throughthe top edges of a core and then down through the core. The core isturned by means of a lid about a cylinder to twist the flexiblematerial. Similarly, the '512 patent discloses an apparatus fordisposing objects in packages formed by pushing the objects in seriesinto a funnel-shaped portion of flexible tubing drawn from pack over therim of the funnel. The patent also discloses that each package is closedat the top by twisting the tubing by turning the funnel fixed to thepack about its axis. As disclosed in the '049 and '512 patents, theprocess of sealing the tubing to form the packages is performed manuallyand requires the use of both hands.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 to Jacoby, et al. discloses a device fordisposing of soiled diapers in twisted packages. The device has acontainer body with a hinged base, a hinged lid, and an upward cylindersecured within the container body. A tubular core rests on a portion ofthe upward cylinder to allow rotation there between. A flexible tube orsleeve rests on a portion of the tubular core with the tubing beingcircumferentially pleated as stored. Springs are fixed to the containerand project radially inward to engage a package formed from the tube.The springs are equally spaced around the interior of the container tohold the package during the forming of a twist in the tube.

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 is used to form a seriesof packages enclosing objects. The top of the flexible tubing is pulledupwards and tied into a knot. The closed end formed by the knot can thenform the bottom of a package with the sidewalls formed by the tubing.The object is inserted and rests against the tubing near the knot. Arotatable interior lid is put into place and rotated such that theunused tubing and the tubular core rotate with respect to the packagethat is being formed. The package being formed does not rotate becauseit is held in place by friction between it and springs. Thus a packageis formed between the knot and a first twist. Subsequently, objects aredisposed and twisted in a like manner to form discrete packages withtwists between them.

Devices such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 are aconvenient way of disposing of soiled diapers. A disadvantage of thesystem is that the twists between packages may become unraveled, therebyallowing groups of diapers to collect within the tubing, which makesemptying the container more difficult. Further, the twists may notcreate a continuous, complete seal and, therefore, may allow odor toescape from a package. Increasing the twists between packages mayeliminate the above disadvantages, however, this requires the use ofadditional tubing.

Another example of a device used to decrease odors that emanate fromdiaper waste is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,847 and 6,516,588,both issued to Jensen, et al. These related patents disclose a sealablediaper-disposal system that includes a container body, a tubular core onwhich flexible tubing is stored, and a tube-sealing mechanism having apair of heating elements. The flexible tubing is pulled from the tubularcore and passed between the pair of heating elements. The tube-sealingmechanism operates to move the pair of heating elements toward eachother to fuse the width of the tubing, and away from each other to allowthe tubing to be pushed into the lower portion of the container body.

Commercial waste storage devices for disposal of baby diapers, areknown. One such device is the Playtex Diaper Genie®. In the DiaperGenie®, a film cartridge having a hole concentrically located therein,is positioned in a waste container body. The film cartridge has a topsurface from which a storage film extends and has a twist ring securedin the concentric hole of the cartridge. The storage film extends fromthe film cartridge, over and then down through the twist ring, downthrough the hole in the film cartridge and into the waste containerbody. The user manually opens the lid assembly by hand and places wastesuch as a diaper through the twist ring and hole in the film cartridge,into the storage film. The twist ring is then manually rotated by theuser's hand, which causes the film cartridge and storage film to rotate,tying off and sealing the disposed waste in the storage film. Thestorage film is continuously fed from the film cartridge. The commercialDiaper Genie® device requires the user to rotate the twist ring by handto seal the storage film about the waste to form a waste product.

The contents of all of the prior art references cited herein areincorporated by reference. From the above it can be understood by thosehaving ordinary skill in the art that there are a number ofdisadvantages associated with prior art waste disposal devices usingflexible tubing and tubular sealing material to form packets fordisposal of waste materials. It is clear that a device is needed thatwill eliminate the disadvantages described above. Such a device shouldbe relatively economical to purchase, and consistently make the sealsbetween packets complete so that they cannot become undone, and it iseasy to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a waste storage or waste disposaldevice or container employing tubular sealing material/flexible tubing,wherein the sealing operation of the tube about a waste load isperformed mechanically, electrically and electro-mechanically. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the present invention is provide a wastestorage device that has an automated operated sealing mechanism.

The present invention provides automated mechanisms for sealing waste ina tubular storage material, in particular a film. The automated sealingmechanism, preferably seals by activation of a mechanical, electrical,or electro-mechanical actuator which causes a twisting of the tubularmaterial in which waste is placed so as to form a sealed waste package.Such twisting of the tubular storage material may be caused, forexample, by rotating the cassette in respect of a retention mechanismfor the tubing, rotating the retention mechanism with respect to thecassette, rotating the tubular storage material with respect to thecartridge and/or retention mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, onepart is mobile while the other parts in the system remain static orsubstantially static.

In one embodiment, the sealing mechanism allows, a first actuation of anactuator to open the lid and a second actuation of an actuator to sealthe tubular storage material.

In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism comprises a rack gearoperably connected to an actuator, a clutch, and a spring connected tothe rack gear. Actuation of the actuator causes the rack gear to move ina first direction against the bias of the spring and release of theactuator causes the rack gear to move in a second direction under thebias of the spring, which causes the clutch to rotate the cartridge. Alocking mechanism optionally is operably connected to the spring with afirst actuation of the actuator locking the spring in a compressedposition while a second actuation of the actuator unlocks the spring.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a wastecontainer for sanitary disposal of waste including a container bodydefining a waste bin and an opening that provides access to the wastebin; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, thesupport having a flange extending therefrom that is configured formounting a tubing cassette above the waste bin, wherein the supportencloses less than all of the opening to the waste compartment so thatwaste can be passed through the opening and into the waste chamber; atubing cassette mounted to the flange of the support; and a tubetwisting/sealing means for forming individual waste packets from tubingthat is dispensed from the tubing cassette.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided awaste container with an automated twisting feature, a tubing cassetterotationally mounted to a flange support; and a retention means forpreventing rotation of a waste packet contained in a portion of thetubing when the tubing cassette is rotated, such that a twist isefficiently created in the tubing. The flange may be configured to allowrotation of the tubing cassette. The cassette may be rotated byelectrical power as for example by a motorized rotating grip to create aclosure twisting action of the flexible tubing when sequestering a wastepacket. A motorized apparatus of this embodiment of the invention mayoptionally provide a plunging device for downwardly pushing the flexibletubing a predetermined distance, thereby providing sufficient space fordepositing a waste packet.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper or headcompartment located on top of the waste container encompassing anapparatus comprising a drive plate mounted to the tubing cassette, adrive gear assembly engaged with the drive plate, and a motor mounted tothe upper compartment apparatus and having an output shaft that rotatesthe drive gear when the motor is activated, the power from the motorbeing transmitted through at least one gear or a series of gears. Atiming circuit may be employed for activating the motor to rotate thetubing cassette one of a predetermined amount of time or a predeterminednumber of times. A sensing detection device, as for example byelectro-optical means, counting physical disruptions, for example, markson the rotating component may also be employed. A manually operatedswitch may be used for activating the motor.

The upper or head portion of the waste container may also serve as lidover the lower receptacle compartment or waste bin of the wastecontainer. The lid or upper compartment of the waste container of theinvention may be hingedly attached to the container body for enclosingthe opening to the waste bin. The lid or head portion of the containermay be secured with a latch device. In addition, the hinge itself mayinclude a latching mechanism or a biasing means to retain the lid in anopen position when desired. A foot pedal assembly may be attached to thelid for opening the lid. Such assemblies are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a waste containerincluding a container body defining a waste bin and an opening thatprovides access to the waste bin; a support mounted to the containerbody adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extendingtherefrom that is configured for rotational mounting of a tubingcassette above the waste bin, wherein the support encloses less than allof the opening to the waste bin so that waste packs can be passedthrough the opening and into the waste bin.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a downward thrustplunging portion attached by a scissor slat assembly to a screw-typegear drive which is powered by an electrical motor through a geartransmission assembly; the activated thrust plate may be extendeddownwardly to push onto a twist-locked flexible tubing sequestering awaste pack; the waste pack thereby being urged into the container wastebin compartment.

Embodiments of the invention may be equipped with a thrust plate toeffect a downward thrusting motion at the twist-tightened upper end ofthe flexible tubing enclosing the waste pack pulling additional tubingfrom the refill cassette so as to provide a pouch-like space below thecassette core opening in order to receive the next waste pack to sealwaste in the pouch-like space. A twist-tightening motion may then beeffectuated to seal waste in the pouch-like space.

In another embodiment there is an automatically controlled apparatus forindividually sequestering packs of odorous waste in a length of flexibletubing which is dispensed and depending from a core tube portion insidea tubular refill cassette. Such apparatus may combine a lowercompartment or bin for receiving and storing the tubing enclosed wastepacks; and an upper compartment for accommodating and securing theelectronically powered and controlled system for sequestering each packof waste in the flexible tubing (of course such control systems may befound in other areas of the container or outside of the container).Preferably, the waste packet sequestering part of the tubing may be heldby a retention or clamping device. The sequestering event may beinitiated by an electrical actuator causing a rotational movement of thetubing refill cassette or dispenser, the tube itself, or the tubularretention mechanism/device, so as to effect a twist tightening of theflexible tubing which depends downward from the tubing cassette into thelower compartment of the waste receptacle. The activator may activatedownward motion of a thrusting plate to urge the twist-locked wastepacket into the waste receiving bin and simultaneously provide anotherlength of flexible tubing for the next deposit of a waste packet.

Embodiments may further provide a means for cutting the twist-tightenedupper portion of the flexible tubing individually enclosing andsequestering a series of waste packs. Such cutting means preferably aresuitably located at a position above the twisted portion of the tubingand below the refill cassette enabling removal of the tubing sequesteredwaste pack from receptacle bins.

The rotational twist-tightening of the flexible tubing so as to lock canbe reinforced by an adhesive containing device, ribbon, marks, etc.,e.g., microbeads that encapsulate adhesives, segmentally positioned onthe inside surface of the tubing material, said adhesive being activatedby the twisting of the flexible tubing. Alternatively, the flexibletubing material can comprise clinging properties for reinforced twiststabilization and sealing effect. The adhesive location can be placed onthe inside of the flexible tubing at predetermined intervals or segmentssuitable for sequestering the waste packets.

Embodiments may optionally comprise a film grip ring for gripping orholding the flexible tubing in place in order to prevent the inadvertentrelease of the stored tubing from the rotating cassette during thetwisting operation. This advantageous aspect assists in creating ameasurably effective tight twist lock of the sequestered waste packet inthe tubing segment.

Embodiments may optionally comprise a trigger mechanism for actuatingthe thrust mechanism determining the start of the downward motion of thethrusting plate at the end or completion of rotational motion the coretube, effecting the twist closure of the flexible tubing above thesequestered waste packet. The trigger mechanism may be initiated by atiming device or optical counter which actuates the thrust mechanismafter a preset interval of rotational movement, of for example, thecassette or retention mechanism The optical counter can be aided, forexample, by a laser-optical detection device.

The present invention provides an automatic device for the convenientand hygienic sequestering of waste packets. Waste packets may compriseany material, for example, nursing home and hospital waste products,diapers, smelly food, etc.

For the purpose of this invention, any device that closes off flexibletubing at a point along the length of the tubing is considered a“tube-sealing means.” Therefore, for example, fusion devices, whichclose off tubing with heating elements, and twisting devices, whichclose off tubing by inducing a twist, are considered “tube-sealingmeans.” Several tube-sealing means are disclosed herein above in thebackground of the invention. Other exemplary tube-sealing means aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,128,890 and 6,065,272, the contents of allof which are incorporated by reference herein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the waste storage device comprisesan automatically controlled mechanism for sequestering the waste packetsindividually inside a flexible tubing bay of some length dispensed froma refill cassette. The hands-off embodiment features a motor-drivenrotation of the refill cassette inner core tube portion thereby twistingthe tubing the waste packet which may be held in place by, for example,spring-aided holder/brackets. Moreover, the embodiment may comprise adriveshaft connected to the motor through a gear assembly ortransmission. The driveshaft may be activated when the tubing twistingrotation is completed and the waste packet is closed off or sequesteredin the tubing material. The driveshaft may be connected by a pinionthrough the connecting scissor slats to the thrust plate of the plunger.The rotation of the driveshaft, i.e. a rod with a screw-type outerridge, may wind through the nut-like center hole of the pinion, which isthereby slideably moved along holding or locating means or rod causingthe scissor connectors to extend and vertically move the thrust plateplunging or pressing down onto the twist-closure of the tubing portionsequestering the waste packet, which is consequently placed down deeperin the waste bin of the container.

In another embodiment, there is a motorized two-step mechanismcontrolling the twisting and plunging of the automated wastesequestering operation. Such mechanism may be manually turned on by, forexample, pushing a button, e.g., on top of the lid or head portion ofthe container. A depressed button may contact electrically the actuatorof the apparatus motor, causing an initial twisting rotation of thecassette core tube. Other actuation mechanisms such as a foot operatedswitch or lever may be used. The rotation of the motor driveshaft, forexample, may be transmitted through at least one gear or a set of gearsto a rotatory ring that engages the cassette rim by was of small ridgesprojecting therefrom a top on the cassette, the bottom of the cassette,side of the cassette, or other portion of the casette when the upperhead or lid compartment of the waste receptacle is closed. The secondstep of the automated control of the waste sequestering mechanism ofthis embodiment may cause a plunging/thrusting device or plate todownwardly thrust and extend onto the twist-locked waste packet. Thus,the flexible tubing is pulled from the storage compartment of thecassette through a gap between the inner core tube and the rim atop therefill cassette.

In one embodiment, the lid is opened by foot operated or activatedmechanism which acts upon the lid at the latch mechanism which causesthe lid to be in the open position. A waste load is deposited into theopen center of the cassette. Upon release of foot-operated mechanism,the lid is caused to close so that the motorized actuator mechanism actsby a cog gearing system causing it to rotate a cassette holding a tubingbag receptacle. The rotation accomplishes two activities forsequestering a diaper or similar waste load and dropping or moving thesame downwardly into the tubing bag. At the closed lid position, theactuator initiates the rotation placing a force on the tubing cassetteby a cassette twister exerting pressure on the beveled ring surface ofthe cassette. The rotational movement is measured to continue untilsufficiently tight twisting has been effected on the tubing bag so as toclose the top opening and thereby retain the waste load. At the momentwhen the twisting or tightening by cassette rotation is complete forsufficient closure of the tubing tubular bag, a vertically dispensedgearing mechanism, for example, may be turned on and cause a downwardmovement of the thrust plate. This downward thrust may be mediatedthrough a scissor link assembly which stretches out to extend along theaxis of the cassette opening, moving the sequestered waste loaddownward. Simultaneous to the motorized rotational force applied on thecassette rim, a film grip ring may be activated to contact and clampdown on to the flexible tubing emanating and hanging over the top edgeof the inner core tube of the tubing cassette. This contact preventsrelease of tubing from the storage compartment of the cassette duringthe rotational twisting operation.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a waste disposal devicecomprising a cassette housing flexible tubing and an automated twistmechanism wherein the twist mechanism is operationally structured totwist and untwist a portion of dispensed flexible tubing so as to openand close the tube for further disposal of waste product upon openingand closing of the lid. Such automated twist/untwist function may alsohave application to waste disposal devices comprising conventionalgarbage bags or similar bags.

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises acontainer defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated wastepackages; a lid coupled to the container and movable between an openposition in which the chamber is accessible and a closed position inwhich the chamber is covered; a cartridge arranged in the container andcontaining a length of flexible tubing arranged to receive wastepackages, the cartridge being maintainable in a stationary position; aretention mechanism for holding a waste package received in the tubing;and a rotation mechanism arranged to rotate the retention mechanism, andthus a waste package when held by the retention mechanism, while thecartridge is stationary in order to twist the tubing and encapsulate thewaste package. In this aspect of the invention, the waste disposaldevice can further comprise an anti-rotation mechanism for holding thecartridge stationary during rotation of said retention mechanism.

In one embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a retentionmechanism comprising a gear rim, the rotation mechanism engaging withthe gear rim to cause rotation of the gear rim and thus the retentionmechanism.

In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a containerdefining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste packages; alid coupled to the container and movable between an open position inwhich chamber is accessible and a closed position in which the chamberis covered; a cartridge arranged in the container and containing alength of flexible tubing arranged to receive waste packages; aretention mechanism for holding a waste package received in the tubing,the retention mechanism being fixed to the container; a rotationmechanism arranged to rotate the cartridge relative to the retentionmechanism in order to twist the tubing and encapsulate a waste packagewhen held by the retention mechanism; and a toothed member attached tothe lid, the cartridge comprising a gear rim, the rotation mechanismengaging with the toothed member and the gear rim during movement of thelid and comprising at least one gear arranged in the container forenabling the conversion of movement of the lid to rotational movement ofthe gear rim.

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises acontainer defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated wastepackages; a lid coupled to the container and movable between an openposition in which said chamber is accessible and a closed position inwhich said chamber is covered; a cartridge arranged in the container andcontaining a length of flexible tubing arranged to receive wastepackages; a retention unit for holding a waste package received in thetubing; and rotation means for rotating the retention unit, and thus awaste package held by the retention unit, relative to the cartridge inorder to twist the tubing and encapsulate the waste package.

In another embodiment of the invention, the waste disposal devicerotation mechanism comprises a motor having a shaft and providingrotational movement to said shaft; a gear arranged on said shaft and inengagement with said gear rim; and a motor actuation mechanism foractuating said motor to rotate said shaft. In this aspect of theinvention, the motor actuation mechanism may comprise, for example, afoot pedal coupled to the motor and arranged such that upon depressionof said foot pedal, the motor is actuated.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a motoractuation mechanism comprising a pushbutton coupled to said motor suchthat upon depression of said pushbutton, said motor is actuated. In thisaspect of the invention, the motor actuation mechanism may comprise aswitch arranged on the container and coupled to the motor, optionally itmay include and a plunger arranged on the lid to engage said switch whenthe lid is closed, the switch being arranged to actuate the motor uponpressured being applied by said plunger.

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises arotation mechanism comprising a pedal arranged in a slot partiallyoutside of the container, a pulley connected to the pedal and a movementconverting mechanism for converting unidirectional movement of the pedalin the slot and thus movement of the pulley into rotation of the gearrim.

In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device further comprises acompacting mechanism for compacting the waste packages which is capableof rising from the base of the device.

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises arotation mechanism, which comprises: a frame defining a waste passagethrough which the waste packages pass; resilient members connected tothe frame and extending inward into the waste passage to engage with thewaste packages; a handle situated at least partially outside of thecontainer, the handle being movable in a slot in an outer wall ofcontainer; and movement converting means for converting movement of thehandle into unidirectional rotational movement of the frame to therebyrotate the frame, the resilient members and a waste package engaged bythe resilient members relative to the tubing in the cartridge.

In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a retentionmechanism comprising a pail having a retention member extending upwardfrom a base of the pail and adapted to hold the waste package betweensaid retention member and walls of said pail, said rotation mechanismcomprising a turntable arranged below the pail to selectively engage thepail. The turntable may be moved by way of a motor or manually, forexample, by a string wound partially about the turntable to causerotation of the turntable, and thus the pail, when the string is pulled.

In another embodiment the waste disposal device comprises a containercomprising a cylindrical outer wall, further comprising an access doorformed and pivotally connected to the outer wall.

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises acontainer comprising a cylindrical outer wall and a hamper defining thewaste chamber and having an outer wall constituting part of the outerwall of the container, said hamper being removable from the container.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a retentionmechanism comprising: a frame defining a waste passage through which thewaste package passes; resilient springs connected to the frame andextending inward into waste passage to engage with and hold the wastepackage; a support flange connected to frame for supporting cartridge.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device further comprises meansfor holding the cartridge stationary during rotation of the retentionmechanism

In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises arotation mechanism constructed to convert movement of the lid in adownward direction to rotational movement of a gear rim and constructedto prevent movement of the lid in an upward direction from beingconverted to rotational movement of the gear rim.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises means forholding the cartridge stationary during rotation of the retention unit.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a retentionunit comprising a gear ring and a plurality of resilient springs adaptedto engage with the waste package, the rotation means engaging with thegear ring to cause rotation of gear ring and thus the retention unit. Inthis aspect of the invention, the gear ring comprises a gear rimengaging with the rotation means and an adapter rim interposed betweenand coupled to the gear rim and the cartridge for coupling the cartridgeto the gear rim.

In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a rotationmeans comprising a motor having a shaft and providing rotationalmovement to the shaft, a gear arranged on the shaft and in engagementwith the gear ring and a motor actuation mechanism for actuating themotor to rotate the shaft. In this embodiment, the motor actuationmechanism may comprise a foot pedal coupled to the motor and arrangedsuch that upon depression of the foot pedal, the motor is actuated. Themotor actuation mechanism may also, for example, comprise a pushbuttoncoupled to the motor such that upon depression of the pushbutton, themotor is actuated. In an alternate aspect of this embodiment of theinvention, the motor actuation mechanism may comprise a switch arrangedon said container and coupled to the motor and a plunger arranged on thelid to engage the switch when the lid is closed.

In another aspect of the invention, the waste disposal device comprisesa retention unit comprising a frame defining a waste passage throughwhich the waste package passes; resilient springs connected to the frameand extending inward into the waste passage to engage with and hold thewaste package; a support flange connected to the frame for supportingthe cartridge.

In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a containerdefining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste packages; alid coupled to the container and movable between an open position inwhich the chamber is accessible and a closed position in which thechamber is covered; a toothed member attached to the lid; a cartridgearranged in the container and containing a length of flexible tubingarranged to receive waste packages; a retention mechanism for holding awaste package received in the tubing, the retention mechanism comprisinga gear rim; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the retentionmechanism relative to the cartridge in order to twist the tubing andencapsulate a waste package received in the tubing, the rotationmechanism engaging with the toothed member and the gear rim duringmovement of the lid and comprising at least one gear for enabling theconversion of movement of the lid to rotational movement of the gear rimand thus the retention mechanism The toothed member can comprise a rackgear having a series of teeth on an outer or inner arcuate surface.

In yet another embodiment the waste disposal device comprises aretention mechanism further comprising a frame attached to the gear rimand including a plurality of resilient springs adapted to engage withthe waste package. In this aspect of the invention, the rotationmechanism is constructed to convert movement of the lid in a downwarddirection to rotational movement of the gear rim and prevent movement ofthe lid in an upward direction from being converted to rotationalmovement of the gear rim. The waste disposal device may comprise ananti-rotation mechanism for holding the cartridge stationary duringrotation of the retention mechanism.

In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a containerdefining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste packages; alid coupled to the container and movable between an open position inwhich the chamber is accessible and a closed position in which thechamber is covered; a cartridge arranged in the container and containinga length of flexible tubing arranged to receive waste packages; aretention mechanism for holding a waste package received in the tubing;a rotation mechanism for rotating the retention mechanism relative tothe cartridge in order to twist the tubing and encapsulate a wastepackage when held by the retention mechanism; and compacting means forcompacting the waste packages.

The invention also provides a waste storage device comprising acontainer comprising a receptacle and a lid attached to the receptacle,a retention mechanism and a rotation mechanism for rotating the cassetteor cartridge, the cassette or cartridge comprising a flexible tubing forpackaging waste material, the cassette further comprising a sensingmechanism for activating an electronic detection mechanism for countingrevolutions of the cassette during operation of the device to ensureconsistency of the sealing mechanism after each use.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be understood by reference to the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and the advantages thereofwill be more readily apparent by reference to the detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plane view of a waste storage device havingthe sealing mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plane view of a portion of the sealingmechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waste storage device of Fig. I;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the waste storage device of FIG. 1 without thelid;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view of a waste storage device having asecond embodiment of the sealing mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of the sealingmechanism of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the waste storage device ofFIG. 5 with the lid closed.

FIG. 8 is an elevational side view of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a refill cassette embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the refill cassette of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the refill twisterapparatus;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the refill twister embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an extended plunger mechanism embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an automated waste storagedevice embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the inventionshowing a door/drawer-like access to the interior of the storagecompartment of the device;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of the upperportion of a motorized device of the invention showing a retentionmechanism and the cassette in place, wherein the motor is place in therear of the device;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of a electronicdevice of the present invention comprising a motor, cassette, retentionmeans and impulse heat sealer of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the interior of a device of theinvention showing a power switch, motor and electrical parts forrotating a cassette;

FIG. 20 shows the device of FIG. 19 provided with an access door foreasy access to the waste storage compartment;

FIG. 21 shows a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of a device ofthe invention adapted with a roller mechanism;

FIG. 22 depicts a general cassette having application to a mechanical,electrical, or electromechanical twisting mechanism of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 depicts a device of the invention showing a waste packageretention portion attached to the bottom portion of the cassette; and

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the rotationmechanism comprises a gear rack for engaging with the cassette duringrotation is provided on the retention mechanism

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the device isprovided with an electrically operated turntable at the base of thecontainer for twisting and sealing the waste package.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the device isprovided with a mechanical turntable at the base of the container whichcan be operated manually.

It is notable that like items depicted in different figures may bereferred to by the same reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a waste storagedevice having the sealing mechanism of the present invention, generallyrepresented by reference numeral 10.

Waste storage device 10 has a body 100, a lid 120, a storage filmcassette 130, a film ring 140 and a sealing mechanism 200. Body 100 hasa base 105, an inner volume 110, front and rear portions 102, 104, andupper and lower portions 106, 108. Body 100 is substantially cylindricalin shape to maximize inner volume 110. However, alternative shapes forbody 100 can also be used including rectangular or cubical. Lowerportion 108 of body 100 has an indentation or pedal housing 115 thatwill be described later in greater detail. Preferably, pedal housing 115is positioned along front portion 102.

Lid 120 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a diametersubstantially the same size as the diameter of body 100 to provide asealing engagement of the lid with the body along upper portion 106. Ifan alternative shape of body 100 is used, such as rectangular orcubical, then the corresponding shape would also be used for lid 120 toprovide a sealing engagement of the lid and the body along upper portion106. Lid 120 is pivotally connected to body 100 by lid hinge 125.Preferably, lid hinge 125 is positioned along rear portion 104. Lid 120has a lid slot 127 formed therein. Lid slot 127 is a u-shaped channelthat is operably connected to sealing mechanism 200 to allow a user toopen and close lid 120, which will be discussed later in greater detail.

Body 100 further has a cassette flange 117 with a center hole 118 and acircular wall 119. Flange 117 is circumferentially formed along theinner wall of body 100 in proximity to upper portion 106. Flange 117engages with a clutch 270 of sealing mechanism 200, which will bediscussed later in greater detail. Center hole 118 provides a supportfor clutch 270 and for cassette 130, which is seated on the clutch.Circular wall 119 extends substantially vertically upward from flange117. As used herein, vertical refers to the direction between upper anlower portions 106, 108, which is substantially parallel with thesidewalls defining body 100. Horizontal refers to the direction betweenfront and rear portions 102, 104, which is substantially perpendicularto the sidewalls defining body 100. Circular wall 119 has a diameterlarger than the diameter of cassette 100. Circular wall 119 providessupport for cassette 130 to prevent it from moving in a horizontaldirection yet allowing it to rotate in center hole 118.

Cassette 130 preferably has a cylindrical or ring-like shape with acenter opening 132. Film 135 is a continuous sheet of film having acylindrical shape that is stored in cassette 130. Cassette 130 also hasa film ring 140 that is positioned in center opening 132. Film 135 isdispensed from the top of cassette 130 over the outside of film ring 140and then down through the film ring and down through center opening 132into inner volume 110. Film 135 is tied off or sealed at lower end 137of the film in inner volume 110 to provide a storage volume 138. As willbe discussed later in greater detail, in the preferred embodiment, aftera diaper is inserted in storage volume 138, sealing mechanism 200rotates cassette 130 to seal film upper end 139.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a sealing mechanism 200 of the presentinvention is shown. Sealing mechanism 200 has an actuator 210 a footpedal linkage 225, a rack linkage 230, a rack gear 260, a clutch 270 anda biasing mechanism 280. In the preferred embodiment, actuator 210 is afoot pedal and is angled downward for facilitating operation by a user'sfoot. Pedal 210 protrudes out from body 100 through pedal orifice 116and into pedal housing 115. Pedal housing 115 has a height that allows auser to slide his or her foot into the housing and onto pedal 210. Pedal210 is pivotally connected to base 105 of body 100 at pedal pivot 215.This pivotal connection translates the user's downward force into anupward force for opening lid 120.

Pedal 210 is pivotally connected to foot pedal linkage 225 at pedallinkage pivot 220. This pivotal connection translates the rotationalmovement of pedal 210 into a substantially vertical movement of pedallinkage 225. Pedal linkage 225 extends substantially vertically fromlower portion 108 of body 100, through flange opening 227, through upperportion 106 of body 100, to lid 120. Pedal linkage 225 is pivotallysecured to lid 120 such that an upward force along the pedal linkagecauses the lid to rotate about lid hinge 125. In this embodiment, pedallinkage 225 is operably connected to lid 120 by lid slot 127 and lidtongue 250. Lid slot 127 is preferably a u-shaped channel formed in lid120. Lid tongue 250 is preferably a cylindrical tongue that engages withlid slot 127. Preferably, lid tongue 250 has a cap to secure the tonguein lid slot 127.

Pedal linkage 225 is also pivotally connected to rack linkage 230 atrack pivot 235. Rack linkage 230 is pivotally connected to rack gear 260at rack pivot 240. The pivotal connections at rack pivots 235, 240translate the substantially vertical movement of pedal linkage 225 intoa substantially horizontal movement of rack linkage 230 and rack gear260.

Rack gear 260 is operably connected to clutch 270 so that a horizontalmovement of the rack gear causes the clutch to rotate. In thisembodiment, clutch 270 has gears (not shown) that engage with gears 262of rack gear 260. Rack gear 260 is further connected to a biasingmechanism 280 positioned on the opposite end of the rack gear from rackpivot 240. In this embodiment, biasing mechanism 280 is a coil springthat biases rack gear 260 toward rear portion 104 of body 100.

Clutch 270 is removably connected to cartridge 130. Clutch 270 is aone-way clutch that only permits rotation of cartridge 130 in onedirection. Thus, rack gear 260 can horizontally move in two directionsand clutch 270 can rotationally move in two directions. However,cassette 130 can only rotate in one direction.

In operation, when a user depresses pedal 210, pedal linkage 225 movesin an upward direction. This upward movement of pedal linkage 225 causeslid 120 to rotate about lid hinge 125 toward rear portion 104 of body100. Thus, depressing pedal 210 causes the lid to open.

Simultaneously, the upward movement of pedal linkage 225 causes racklinkage 230 to move substantially horizontally toward front portion 102of body 100. This causes rack gear 260 to move horizontally toward frontportion 102. Rack gear 260 is operably connected to clutch 270, whichcauses the clutch to rotate in a first direction. Cassette 130 remainsstationary because clutch 270 is a one-way clutch and prevents thecassette from rotating in this first direction. The horizontal movementof rack gear 260 towards front portion 102 also causes spring 280 tocompress.

With lid 120 in an open position and storage volume 138 accessible tothe user, waste storage, such as a diaper, can be inserted through filmring 140 into the storage volume. The user then releases pedal 210 tocommence the sealing operation. The force of compressed spring 280against rack gear 260 causes the rack gear to horizontally move backtoward rear portion 104. The horizontal movement of rack gear 260 towardrear portion 104 causes clutch 270 to rotate in a second, oppositedirection. Cassette 130 rotates in this second direction. The rotationof cassette 130 causes film 135 to tie off or seal near film upper end139. Thus, release of pedal 210 causes sealing mechanism 200 to sealfilm 135.

Simultaneously, the horizontal movement of rack gear 260 toward rearportion 104 causes rack linkage 230 to move toward rear portion 104. Thehorizontal movement of rack linkage 230 toward rear portion 104 causesmovement of pedal linkage 225 in a substantially downward directiontoward base 105. The movement of pedal linkage 225 in a substantiallydownward direction causes lid 120 to rotate about lid hinge 125 towardfront portion 102. Thus, release of pedal 210 causes sealing mechanismto close lid 120.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, in an alternative embodiment, sealingmechanism 200 also has a locking mechanism 300. Locking mechanism 300 isoperably connected to spring 280. When a user first actuates pedal 210causing rack gear 260 to move toward front portion 102 and compressingspring 280, locking mechanism 300 is triggered and locks spring 280 in acompressed position. Thus, lid 120 remains in an open position and auser can release his or her foot from pedal 210. When a user actuatespedal 210 for a second time causing rack gear 260 to move further towardfront portion 102 and further compressing spring 280, locking mechanism300 is again triggered and unlocks spring 280 from a compressedposition. Rack gear 260 is moved back toward rear portion 104 under theforce of spring 280 causing rotation of clutch 270 and cassette 130, aswell as downward movement of pedal linkage 225. Thus, film 135 is sealedby the rotation of cassette 130 and lid 120 is closed by the downwardmovement of pedal linkage 225. Pedal 210 returns to its upper positionfor the sealing operation to be repeated by a first and second downwarddepression of the pedal.

The automated twist waste disposal apparatus useful for sequesteringwaste packets such as diapers in twist-sealable flexible tubing isillustrated in one embodiment of the invention by taking reference toFIGS. 8 through 12.

Referring to FIG. 8, a waste container 310 is shown comprising a loweror waste storing bin compartment 315 and an upper lid or headcompartment 320 with an optional activation start button 305.

The disposal device 310 comprises a top or lid portion 320, whichcomprises hingedly attached and latch-secured pivoting lid or coverconfiguration and a bottom or bin portion 315, comprising anapproximately cylindrical or cone-like shape.

In FIG. 9, the lid portion 320 is shown to contain an apparatus forautomatic control of twisting and lowering of tubing below the refillcassette, the apparatus comprising an upper body portion 321 and a lowerbody portion 322. More specifically, the lid 320 houses or contains theapparatus upper body 321, comprising an electronic motor-driven controlgear assembly 410, an actuator 345, a rotatory grip is ring or refilltwister 335 for contacting and rotating the tubing refill cassette body350 effectively twisting the flexible tubing 352 which emanates througha gap 354 between the rim 357 of the cassette 350 and the core tube 361,and is folded down through the open cassette tube core area 351 into theinterior bin space 316 as partially shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The lower body of apparatus 322 encompasses the removable refillcassette 350 (FIG. 10) as well as a retaining means or spring assembly355 positioned to hold the flexible tubing 352 which encloses a wastepack (not shown) in the bin space 316 during the twist-closureoperation. The tubing cassette 350 houses a length of tubing material352 for sequestering the waste packets sequentially in the waste binspace 316.

A lid 320 secured by a hinge 381 to the waste bin 315 includes a latch382. The waste bin 316 also includes a hinged base 319 for providingaccess to the lower interior of the second waste bin 316. The hingedbase 319 (FIG. 9) includes a latch (not shown) for securing the hingedbase 319 in a closed position (FIG. 11).

The bottom rim 358 of the tubing refill cassette body 350 rests on aflange support or holding ring 370 which is affixed to the internal wallside of the bin 315 of the device 310. The flexible tubing material 352is stored in a continuously folded manner in the tubing storagecompartment 359 of the cassette 350.

Referring to FIG. 12, the apparatus embodiment of the gear assembly 410in a housing or cap structure 455 of the upper body portion 321 of theelectronic motor-driving apparatus 330 has a motor 347 located near thegear idler 325, which motor 347 is started when the manually depressedbutton 305 on the lid 315 makes contact with the switch 395. The firstaction of the motor-driven gear assembly causes rotation of the refilltwister 334 comprising a tubular ring structure 336 which exhibits anotched bottom surface 430 that is situated to make contact with the topring or collar of the refill cassette 350 so as to propel the cassetteinto rotational motion. The tubular refill twisting device 336 isprovided with a ridge 450.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an embodiment of the invention isrepresented showing a scissor link assembly 420 linked to a slideableU-joint type linkage 415. The pinion is saddled on a radially positionedcarrier device 336 with a bracket 425 while at one point attached to alinkage 420 connecting assembly holder 415, and at another pointattached to a drive rod 435. The drive rod 435 comprising a screw-likewound surface is inserted into the nut-type center of the which can becentrally moved along the carrying means or rod 336 by the revolutionsof the screw-type positioning rod so that the drive rod 435 rotationscause the scissor link connecting linkage 415 to move towards the centerso as to move the plunger plate 440 vertically downward through opencentral portion 337 of the upper apparatus configuration 321 and thecassette core opening 362.

The twisting operation may further facilitated by the film grip ring 335which, during the twisting operation, acts as a brake pressing onto theflexible tubing 352 atop the cassette core tube 361, and prevents thetubing 352 from being pulled out of the refill cassette 350 storagecompartment 360 during the cassette rotation.

A revolution counting mechanism may optionally provided in an embodimentof the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the revolutioncounting mechanism can be in the form of an electronic sensing device(not shown), for example, which utilizes a laser beam mechanism. As seenin FIG. 10, a series of small apertures 349 can be incorporated, forexample, into the cassette 350 which can be detected by a laser beam asthe cassette rotates on a stationary retention mechanism. The smallaperture 349 or other types of sensing devices such as strips, bars,and/or motion detecting mechanisms and the like can be applied to therotating portion of the device for counting the revolutions executed bythe rotating system. In this manner, the total number of revolutionsrequired to secure the sealing on the encapsulated waste package can beset on the electronic device and the sealing process can be executedwith precision at each time waste is disposed into the device. In thisaspect of the invention, the electronic sensing system can be setautomatically to control the sealing process. Additionally, thiselectronic sensing system on the device can also control, for example,the downward motion of the plunger 340.

Referring again to the illustrations of FIGS. 10 and 11, the refillcassette 350 stores the flexible tubing 352 which emanates from thestorage compartment 359 through the gap 354 between the rim 357 and thecassette's core tube wall 361 and then fords into the inner core area362, hanging into the bin space 316 below. The rim 357 is provided withsmall ridges for effectively engaging the refill twister 334, inparticular, the gear surface said refill twister 430 when rotating thecassette 350 and the top portion of the flexible tubing enclosing thediaper deposit (not shown). The cassette further may comprise slits 356on its upper rim 357 for engaging with the bottom portion of the lid toform a secure fit.

Taking reference again to FIG. 9, the lid portion 320 of this embodiment310 can be opened by depressing a foot pedal arrangement 365 which actsthrough a push rod 366 on the hinge assembly 381 of the lid 320,exposing the open core area 362 of the refill cassette 350 fordepositing a waste packet.

As further illustrated in FIG. 9, the retention springs 355 are attachedto the flange 370 and retain or hold a waste package (not shown)stationary while the rotating refill twister 334 causes the cassettecollar or rim 357 to rotate the tubing cassette 350 inducing a twistingmotion in the flexible tubing 352. As used herein, the term “retentionmeans” shall include any retention device for retaining or restraining awaste package (not shown). The term shall include, for example,retention devices as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512,6,170,240, 6,128,890, 6,370,847, and JP 592039015 (P2000-247401 A), thecontents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

An embodiment of the invention can be further illustrated with referenceto FIG. 15. As demonstrated in FIG. 15, the sealing and packagingmechanism of the waste material in the waste storage device ismotorized. This device is provided with a pedal 570 for opening the topor lid 500 of the device. Pedal 570 comprises a child-proof mechanismwhich operates by releasing the spring on the spring-loaded top or lid500. The spring on the spring-loaded top allows for the top to remainopen for a period of time while the device is in used and the springmechanism closes the lid 500 automatically after the waste material isplaced in the tubing. In FIG. 15 the device is provided with a motor 540which is battery-operated, however, the system can also be powered byalternating (AC) current.

As seen in FIG. 15, the waste storage device can also be provided with arubber diaphragm rotation mechanism 530 which prevents the backflow orescaping of odors emanating from the waste contained in the storagecompartment of the device, and a projecting retention mechanism shown inthe drawing in the form of a bar or rod 560 for preventing the bottomportion of the encapsulated waste package 510 from untwisting during thepackaging of the another waste material. Thus, the rod 560 operates asan anti-untwisting mechanism a previously encapsulated waste 510. FIG.15 also shows a push button 520 that can be incorporated into the tubingcutting system of the waste storage device to facilitate the cutting ofthe tubing prior to disposal of the stored waste. A window 550 can alsobe designed into the body 505 of the storage compartment for allowingthe user to determine when the storage compartment is full.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16, the waste storagedevice, either mechanical or motorized, can be provided in manydifferent sizes and shapes and the body 505 of the storage compartmentcan be adapted with, for is example a drawer-like space 590 for easyaccess and emptying of the stored waste and such access can comprise adoor 580 with a handle which glides outwardly from the device and canhave a secure mechanism for engaging and disengaging with the body ofthe device.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the motorized waste storage deviceof the invention. In this aspect of the invention, the motor of therotation mechanism is placed at the top rear end of the unit for theautomatic opening and closure of the lid 500, of course, the motor maybe located in other places on or in the container. FIG. 17 also shows anaspect of the invention wherein a plunger 545 comprising part of the lid500 is pushed downwardly to activate power switch 610 and activate thesystem Additionally, plunger 545 pushes down the cassette on theretention ledge 535 to make the cassette stationary in the retentionmechanism, while the rotation mechanism turns the flexible tubingcontaining the waste material. Additionally, FIG. 17 shows a rotatableturntable 620 which rests on a flange extending inwardly from the wallof the body 105. Turntable 620 has a center opening for allowing thepassage of the tubing with or without waste material, and can alsocontain toothed structures (not shown) for frictionally engaging withcassette 525. In this aspect of the invention, the retention mechanismalso forms part of the rotation mechanism and turntable 620 can rotatethe cassette and seal the tubing.

FIG. 18 shows a further aspect of the invention in which an electricalwaste storage device is provided with an impulse heat-sealing means 555adapted to the turntable 620. In this embodiment, the motor 575 isplaced on the inner surface of the wall of the body of the device abovethe turntable 620.

In FIG. 19, an alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated inwhich the retention mechanism 623 is stationary and is adapted to holdthe rotating mechanism comprising a motor 575 with electrical parts andgear as seen in FIG. 19 which form the mechanism for rotating thecassette 525. The motor 575 is activated by the manual action of closinglid 500 which actuates power switch 610 by the downward movement of thelid 500 on the button 610. FIG. 19 also shows that the central portionof lid 500 can be adapted with a cutting mechanism 585 for trimming thetubing prior to disposal of the waste packages. FIG. 20 shows theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 further adapted with a door 580attached to the waste storage compartment designed for easy emptying ofthe stored waste.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 21 in whichthe waste storage device is provided with a roller means 630 forcompacting the waste material and aid in pulling the tubing from thecassette. The roller means 630 can also form part of the retentionmechanism and aid in stabilizing the encapsulated waste during rotationwhile sealing the package.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the cassette 525comprising the tubing is provided with a gear 650 along the outercircumference of the cassette 525 for engaging and to be rotated withthe rotation mechanism. In this aspect of the invention, the gear 650 isprovided on middle of the exterior surface of the cassette 525, however,the gear 650 can be provided on other parts of the cassette, forexample, on the upper or lower rim of the cassette 525. FIG. 22 alsoshows that the cassette 525 is provided with a frame defining wastepassage 655, which is also shown with reference to FIG. 3, 140.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the powered rotation mechanism575, 650 for rotating the cassette 525 can be provided to the retentionmechanism 670 as shown in FIG. 24. In this embodiment, at least one gearcan be arranged in the waste container and the cassette 525 is providedwith means for securely engaging with the retention mechanism. In thisaspect of the invention, the retention mechanism 670 would remainstationary during rotation of the cassette 525.

FIG. 23 illustrate an alternate retention mechanism of the invention. Asseen in FIG. 23, retention mechanism 675 is provided to the lid 500portion of the device below the cassette compartment, and is in the formof a tube which protrudes laterally from the center aperture of thecassette. The retention mechanism aids in preventing the previouslyencapsulated waste package 510 from untwisting during sealing of thenext waste package.

In another embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 25, the waste storagedevice is provided with a rotating mechanism in the form of a turntable700 at the base of the device. The turntable 700 is electrically drivento rotate and seal an encapsulated waste product resting on its surface.The turntable 700 can also serve as a retention mechanism during sealingof the waste product. FIG. 26 shows a similar embodiment comprising aturntable 700 as shown in FIG. 25, except that the sealing mechanism canbe operated manually.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example,components in one figure can be combined with components shown inanother figure.

STATEMENT REGARDING PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention has been described with respect to preferredembodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatvarious changes and/or modifications can be made to the inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims. All documents cited herein are incorporated intheir entirety herein.

1. A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container, said waste storagecontainer having a body, a lid and a storage film cartridge adapted tobe positioned in said body, said cartridge having a continuous length ofstorage film therein, said sealing mechanism comprising: an actuatoroperably connected to said lid and said cartridge, wherein actuation ofsaid actuator opens said lid and seals said storage film.
 2. The sealingmechanism of claim 1, wherein a first actuation of said actuator openssaid lid and a second actuation of said actuator seals said storagefilm.
 3. The sealing mechanism of claim 2, wherein said second actuationof said actuator closes said lid.
 4. The sealing mechanism of claim 1,wherein said actuator is operably connected to said cartridge by aseries of linkages.
 5. The sealing mechanism of claim 1, wherein saidbody has a bottom, and wherein said actuator is positioned substantiallynear the bottom of said body.
 6. The sealing mechanism of claim 5,wherein said actuator protrudes from said body.
 7. The sealing mechanismof claim 1, wherein said actuator seals said storage film by rotatingsaid cartridge.
 8. The sealing mechanism of claim 7, further comprisinga clutch operably connected to said actuator and said cartridge, saidclutch allowing said cartridge to rotate in only one direction.
 9. Thesealing mechanism of claim 8, further comprising a rack gear operablyconnected to said actuator and said clutch, and a spring connected tosaid rack gear, wherein actuation of said actuator causes said rack gearto move in a first direction against the bias of said spring and releasesaid actuator causes said rack gear to move in a second direction underthe bias of said spring to cause said clutch to rotate said cartridge.10. The sealing mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a lockingmechanism operably connected to said spring, wherein said actuator lockssaid spring in a compressed position upon a first actuation and saidactuator unlocks said spring upon a second actuator.
 11. The sealingmechanism of claim 5, wherein said actuator is pivotally connected to afirst linkage and said first linkage is pivotally connected to a secondlinkage, said first linkage being operably connected to said lid toallow a user to open and close said lid and said second linkage beingoperably connected to said cartridge to allow a user to seal saidstorage film.
 12. A waste container, comprising: a container bodydefining a waste bin, a lid and an opening that provides access in thewaste bin; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening,the support having a flange extending therefrom that is cylindricallyconfigured for mounting a tubing cassette above the waste bin, whereinthe support encloses less than all of the opening to the waste bin sothat a waste packet can be passed through the opening and into the wastebin; a tubing cassette mounted to the flange of the support; and a tubesealing means for forming waste packets by twisting a flexible tubingthat is dispensed from the tubing casette; and the lid portion enclosingan apparatus for controlling twisting the flexible tubing to form atubing bag enclosing a waste packet.
 13. A waste container as recited inclaim 12, further comprising a waste bag mounted in the waste bin inwhich waste packets are sequentially collected.
 14. A waste container asrecited in claim 12, wherein the flange is configured so that the tubingcassette is rotated by a motor to create a twist closure in the tubingwhen enclosing a waste packet.
 15. A waste container as recited in claim14, wherein the tubing cassette is rotationally mounted to the flange,and further including a drive plate mounted to the tubing cassette, adrive gear drivingly engaged with the drive plate, and a motor mountedto the waste container lid and having an output shaft that rotates thedrive gear when the motor is activated.
 16. A waste container as recitedin claim 15, wherein a timing circuit activates the motor to rotate thetubing cassette for a predetermined amount of time or a predeterminednumber of times.
 17. A waste container as recited in claim 15, furthercomprising a manually operated switch for activating the motor.
 18. Awaste container as recited in claim 12, wherein the lid is hingedlyattached to the container body.
 19. A waste container of claim 12,further comprising a plunging device for moving of the twist-closedwaste packet downwardly into the bin to create a tubing-lined space fora deposit of another waste pack.
 20. The waste container of claim 12,further comprising: a retention means for preventing rotation of a wastepacket when the tubing cassette is rotated in create a twist in theflexible tubing; and wherein the retention means also prevents therelease of stored flexible tubing from the tubing cassette during thetwisting rotation.
 21. A waste container as recited in claim 14, furtherincluding a drive plate mounted to the tubing cassette, a drive geardrivingly engaged with the drive plate, and a motor mounted to thecomposite waste container and having an output shaft that rotates thedrive gear when the motor is activated.
 22. A waste container as recitedin claim 21, wherein a timing circuit activates the motor to rotate thetubing cassette one of a predetermined amount of time or a predeterminednumber of times.
 23. A waste container, comprising: a container bodydefining a waste bin and an opening that provides access to the wastebin; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, andconfigured to enclose less than all of the opening to the waste chamberso that waste can be passed through the opening and into the wastechamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the support above thewaste chamber; and a retention means for preventing rotation of a wastepacket when the tubing cassette is rotated to create a twist in thetubing; and a plunging means for moving the twisted tubing downwardly tocreate new space for enclosing another waste packet.
 24. A wastecontainer as recited in claim 23, comprising further, a tubing grippingmeans to prevent release of tubing from the cassette during rotation fortwist-closure of the waste content.
 25. A waste container as recited inclaim 23, further comprising an apparatus for automated sequestering ofindividual waste packets deposited and enclosed in the flexible tubingby means of motor-powered twisting of the flexible tubing and moving thewaste packet enclosure into the waste container bin.
 26. A wastecontainer as recited in claim 12, wherein the flexible tubing isequipped with adhesive means for enhanced stabilization of the twistedtubing.
 27. A waste disposal apparatus as recited in claim 12, whereinthe waste packet deposit is a solid diaper.
 28. A method for disposingof waste material, comprising: providing a length of tubing having afirst scaled portion of the tubing at a location along its length and anopen end of the tubing; inserting waste material through the open end ofthe tubing until it contacts the first sealed portion of the tubing toform a waste package; retaining the waste package such that the wastepackage does not rotate in relation to the open end of the tubing;rotating the open end of the tubing such that a twist is formed in thetubing between the open end of the tubing and the waste package; andsealing at least a portion of the twisted tubing to form a second sealedportion located above the waste packet enclosure.
 29. A method fordisposing of waste material as recited in claim 28, further includingthe step of moving the length of tubing in a direction away from theopen end of the tubing in preparation for the waste package depositstep.
 30. A method for disposing of waste material as recited in claim28, wherein the sealing step includes sealing at least a portion of thetwisted tubing to form a second sealed portion by optionallyelectro-thermally heating or chemical adhesive application to at least aportion of the twisted tubing.
 31. A method for disposing of wastematerial as recited in claim 28, wherein the retaining step includesretaining the waste package by gripping the waste package enclosure,such that the waste packet does not rotate in relation to the open endof the tubing.
 32. A method for disposing of waste material as recitedin claim 28, wherein the inserting step includes inserting or depositinga soiled diaper through the open end of the tubing until it contacts thefirst sealed portion of the tubing to form a waste package.
 33. Acontainer for automated diaper disposal, comprising: a container bincompartment for diaper deposits; a container top compartment enclosingan apparatus for automated sequestering of diapers in the container bin;a combination of an automatically controlled motor-driven twistingoperation which sequesters each deposited diaper individually inflexible tubing into a container bin compartment; and an automaticallycontrolled motor-driven plunging operation which moves the twist-lockeddiaper into the container and creates a predetermined length of theflexible tubing so as to provide space for the next following diaperdeposit within the flexible tubing. 34-66. (Canceled)